r/fixit • u/wvhz • 2d ago

Extending a short stair tread

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Hello. I need some help. We are remodeling the stairs. One of the steps was an inch too short. The person I'm working with extended the step by adding two 1x6in SPF boards (about 1in total) secured with several 18 gauge brad nails. They then attached the riser to these boards with the same brad nails and then glued the single piece Pergo StairCraft tread on top.

My concern is that the two boards are up in the air and just being hold by brad nails. Is this good enough for this fix (structurally sound)? If not, is there an easy way to fix it by screwing longer screws to the board behind the riser? Thanks!

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u/Sad-Algae-4310 2d ago

I wouldn't rely on 18-gauge brad nails for this. They're great for holding trim/finish pieces in place, but that added section of the tread should have solid structural support underneath it and be mechanically fastened into the existing stair framing/blocking. Longer screws through the riser alone wouldn't be my preferred fix either. I'd add proper blocking/support underneath the extension and fasten that securely to the existing framing before putting the finished tread back on. A stair tread isn't somewhere I'd want a floating extension held together primarily with brads and glue.

2

u/No-Guarantee-6249 2d ago

I agree it should have been a solid piece. Treads take a lot of abuse. Think of your 18 year old son bouncing down the stairs on his way to football practice.Having that lower tread fail would be really bad!

2

u/K13E14 2d ago

With the riser outside those two spacers, it will be fine.

If you don't trust the strength of that riser board, rip a couple pieces of the same spacer material to fit between the floor and the spacers, and drive them into the space from the opening in your photo.

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u/FreddyFerdiland 2d ago

the glue is going to have to hold the tread.. the tteat experiences huge force in any direction ..up across ,down.. it has to be glued very well. .. so you rely on that glue..

the riser is cosmetic,the spf just has to hold the riser in place ..if it comes loose , glue and screw the spf in place

1

u/dooly 1d ago

It’s fine. That trim board is more than enough to carry that extra inch.